UN5-3051

Hey Pam, Where in Michigan? My brother lives in Lansing........... I'm an August bander, too, a week from today on the 31st. Exciting, isn't it!?!

I live in Springfield, MO. My husband is from Kansas City, Independence specifically. Saw on here someone from Lafayette, Indiana. My favorite Aunt and Uncle live there! Also, have family in Lansing, Michigan, best friend in San Antonio. Born in Port Hueneme, California. ok, that's me in a nutshell.........oh, except to say I will be banded on 8.31.07 here in Spfd, and I'm day 6 of the preop diet (but who's counting,right??!! ....well, yes, I am!)

I think this is an important topic that affects everyone. Glad to see an open dialogue. I think it depends on the individual, where you work, the environment, the mix of personalities, your own needs, strengths, weaknesses, your motive to sharing, your level of drama tolerance, etc etc. Personally, my close friends all know and are supportive. I've chosen not to share the lap band part of my surgery with coworkers. I am also having gall bladder surgery and that is enough information to divulge. I work with 98% women, a handful are genuine/caring, the rest are not. My husband put it best, "these are people you happen to work with right now. You most likely won't work with them long term. They don't need or have to be your confidants. They aren't your best friends. They are coworkers, that's all." Sometimes, I think men can see the big picture in a detached, healthy way.

Hi .......... Glad to see this thread. I'm having lap band on August 31st, too! I'm in Springfield, Missouri.................just finished day 2 of the preop diet........and I must say, I'm really hungry! But, we can do it, right!!!?

My band surg date is August 31st. I have just finished day two of the 14 day preop diet. First week: one small meal, 2 liquid Protein meals. Second week: Full liquids only. I can do it!!! (I keep telling myself that, just to be sure!)

My surgery date is August 31st, with Dr. C. Edwards, Springfield, MO. I'm happy, happy, happy!!

Hi! Add me to the August banding list! My date is August 31st, @ St. John's Hospital, Dr. Chris Edwards, in Springfield MO.

Hi! My surgery is scheduled for August 31st. I'm 52 and live in southwest Missouri.

Tabitha?! Did you see Dr. Edwards today? I've been thinking of you all day! barb

:update: Have a surgery date now: Friday, August 31st. Start the preop diet this Friday. I'm excited to say the least!

also, I took in one of each of my medications to see if he wants me to crush or split any of them post surgery.

i wrote out a list of questions so I wouldn't forget. Dr. Edwards was very patient and answered each.

August 31st, 2007 with Dr. Edwards! :update: I am excited! Consent signed, pre op diet instructions, hugs from Dr. Edwards, Mary, Donna, Amanda, my husband, :confused: etc. etc. What a good day........I will sleep well tonite!:notagree Wanted to share with you all.........thanks for reading this and caring. :hug: barb........... ps: did I mention I am excited?!

Thanks for the book suggestion. I saw Dana instead of Susan. Don't remember any specific book in the paperwork she gave me. Glad you passed it on here! Glad, too, that you asked about the liquid stage. I've noticed that there are not too many comments about it in general......hope someone replies!

wow, Tabitha......that is a hard decision. He didn't tell me to start the diet when I scheduled again. I like the idea of a happy hour celebration! I think I am going to not rush the process and use the time to prepare like Katie taught us in class. In the big picture, I think it will help me adjust better to the new lifestyle. I will post here next Tuesday with my surgery date! Watch for me barb

Hey Tabitha.... We could absolutely be on the same surgery day........wouldn't that be something! :hug: You got an appt quickly with Dr. Edwards! Way to go. When I made mine, he was booked 2 wks out.....:violin: I'll let you know my scheduled time after I see him. Are you thinking of starting the liquid diet early? I've vascillated on that decision since I'd read others have done that to speed up the process. barb

Hey! Many congratulations on your insurance approval! That is wonderful. I am envious tho truly happy for you! I attended the 8 hr class on Monday. There were 14 potential lap-banders there. It was so informative and I enjoyed it. Wanted to sleep during the relaxation time and thought of you! HOpe you hear from Mary soon........... My appt with Dr. Edwards is 8.14, next Tuesday and will set my surgery date then.

In Springfield, MO, it's $16,500 for hospital and surgeon (including fup appts for one year)............

Hi Paisley..........Thanks for your reply. Good to know what to expect next Monday. What was it about the relaxation stuff after lunch that was no fun? Did you have to lay on the floor or anything like that? I like being vertical if I'm not at home! It's in the ASC building, right? I will see Amy @ HHI tomorrow for the excercise componet. Did you see her or Sandy? Have safe travels!

Hi! You know, when I read your stats........my first thought was "Nut approval" was linked to the psych eval! Figured out it was short for abbreviation and then I chuckled! My husband grew up in Independence and now lives here! Just flipped of your life! Cool, huh. Not long now for you, that's exciting. Are you on a liquid diet prior?

I'm happy to be the first to CONGRATULATE you!! That is wonderful! You have acheived your goals and I am just beginning my journey......... I pray I am as successful as you a year from now! Way to go, Nana7!!!! :eek:

Hi! Would enjoy contact with anyone in the Springfield area. I'm anticipating having Lap band surgery in August. Have had first appt with Dr. Edwards, Mary, psych eval, nutrition appt. Signed up for the Aug 6th all day class and appt with HHI exercise person is scheduled. I'm a local native, 52, married to a very supportive DH, no kids.........and ready for the positive changes and challenges this decision brings. :eek:

Hi! Would enjoy contact with anyone in the Springfield area. I'm anticipating having Lap band surgery in August. Have had first appt with Dr. Edwards, Mary, psych eval, nutrition appt. Signed up for the Aug 6th all day class and appt with HHI exercise person is scheduled. I'm a local native, 52, married to a very supportive DH, no kids.........and ready for the positive changes and challenges this decision brings. :eek:

I sure appreciate your encouragement and understanding the insurance frustration. I've heard only positive comments and opinions in reference to Dr. Edwards.....and espeically your viewpoint as a patient is one I regard highly. So, there is a mtg tomorrow? What's it like? Mix of ages, genders? Do they have a facilitator from St. J's? What was your most difficult food item to cut out of your diet? Do you still miss it or can you have it at times? Does your life revolve around the lapband topic now? If so, do you get tired of it? Are these questions too private in nature? Have you been asked things that you'd rather not discuss? This is probably a good place to end my questions, then!:clap2: THank you for listening!

Hi.....I attended an informational public forum today at St. John's. Cameron Hodges giving an overview of the types of gastric surgery. I'm interested in the lap band and my husband found this site for me when we returned home today. Any Springfield views/thoughts/opinions of your experience thus far? I have Premier insurance and have worked at St. J for over 30 yrs. No coverage for this procedure. (which, let me just vent a second: we work for the institution that provides the service, endorses it, yet St. J's , Sister of Mercy created health plan will not support their own coworker family and recognize benefits to save our lives and eliminate comorbidities??!! :faint: ok, yes, I'm bitter....among other emotions regarding. Thanks for listening and if any of St J insurance administrators are reading this, please listen. Please.) I appreciate any replies and information you may have. Thoughts about the lapband locally? Worst part of the experience? Have been in touch with the surgery office in the Fremont bldg. Isn't Donna the best?! Love her. Have met Katie, too. Wonderful, smart, knows what she is talking about.... Will have to pay out of pocket ( see above :cry ) and that is such a huge financial decision. Thoughts of others who have faced the same in Spfd? Regrets? Advice?